Burlesque, Star Show Dog, Stolen From Stockton Woman’s Home

STOCKTON (CBS13) — A show dog was stolen from its owner’s home in broad daylight along with the pup’s awards.

Ever since Burlesque was stolen, Stephanie Winkler has made posters and has been searching endlessly on social media and Craigslist for the dog she says can’t be replaced.

I’ve always wanted to show dogs my entire life, and I finally got one, and she was taken from me,” she said. “I couldn’t believe it. It was like having your child abducted.”

She says she came home last week to her front door kicked in and her beloved French bulldog missing.

“In broad daylight, while I was at work, while everyone else in the neighborhood was at work,” she said.

Burlesque is well known in show dog circles, as well as in her community. The 2-year-old dog has already won several ribbons.

“I had trained her to stack up for show and trained her to gate and everything,” Winkler said. “Her show career looked really bright.”

Winkler says the thieves also made off with Burlesque’s show ribbons and pictures, something she believes means they will try and sell her for more money.

“They took ribbons and photos. hey took things that they could show to someone to sell her off quickly,” she said. “Without papers, she could go anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000. I personally bought her for a lot more than that.”

Winkler says whoever took Burlesque not only made off with a dog she’s dedicated a lot of time and money to, but they also stole a member of her family.

“If you think you stole a dog that I’m just going to forget about, you are mistaken,” she said. “Because I will never stop looking for her.”

Burlesque has one blue eye and is solid white, except for a spot on her head and left side.

Winkler says other items were stolen from her home, but right now she just cares about getting Burlesque back.